Will Norton: Who Was the Joplin Tornado Victim? How Did He Die?

The tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011 was one of the deadliest in human history. It claimed hundreds of lives and caused massive destruction to the local community. Among the victims was 18-year-old Will Norton, who had just graduated from Joplin High School. While returning home from his commencement ceremony, he was swept away by the tornado. He became a symbol of the many missing individuals in the aftermath of the disaster. Days later, his remains were discovered. Netflix’s ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’ revisits the devastating events of that day, featuring interviews with those who knew Will and continue to honor his memory to this day.

Will Norton Started a YouTube Channel Out of His Personal Interest

William Richard “Will” Norton was born on August 19, 1992, to Mark and Trish Norton. He grew up in Joplin, Missouri, alongside his sister, Sara Norton, and the town had always been their cherished home. Will was known for his compassionate nature, and those around him believed he was destined to make a meaningful impact in the world. With a natural inclination to help others, Will had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone he encountered. As a student at Joplin High School, he quickly became known for his willingness to lend a hand in any situation. Both his peers and teachers admired his generosity and his eagerness to support anyone in need.

Will was also an active member of his community and contributed his time and energy to causes he cared about. He was involved with the Joplin Humane Society, which reflected his love for animals. One of his greatest passions was traveling, and a trip to Africa with his family left a lasting impression on him. Witnessing the incredible great wildebeest migration inspired him so deeply that when he launched his own YouTube channel in September 2006, he chose the username “willdabeast88883333” as a playful homage. He had a natural talent for social media, and his channel quickly gained traction. His videos soon garnered thousands of views, and he eagerly embraced the platform’s possibilities. Committed to honing his skills, he even set up a green screen in his room to elevate his content. Beyond his own projects, Will frequently lent his creativity and technical expertise to friends and helped them edit videos and bring their ideas to life.

Will Norton Was in a Car With His Father When He Was Impacted by the Tornado

As his final year of high school approached, Will Norton decided to pursue his passion professionally. He was thrilled to be accepted into Chapman University’s film school in California and eagerly looked forward to the opportunities that awaited him. On the morning of May 22, 2011, he set out to receive his high school diploma. Before leaving home, he assured his sister that he would see the rest of the family at the ceremony. Although local news channels had issued a tornado warning that day, many residents didn’t anticipate the severity of the storm that was approaching. Once the ceremony concluded, Will’s father, Mark, quickly ushered him into the car, hoping to make it home before the weather worsened. The sky had begun to shift into ominous shades, and they knew that things were about to get bad.

Driving just ahead of them were Sara and Will’s aunt, and they were able to make it home safely. The weather continued to deteriorate with each passing second. Mark called Sara and instructed her to keep the garage door open so they could quickly drive inside. However, before they could make it back, the tornado struck. The force of the storm shattered the car windows, and amidst the chaos, Will’s seatbelt snapped. The powerful winds pulled him through the sunroof of the SUV. Despite Mark’s desperate attempt to hold onto his son’s leg, the strength of the tornado overwhelmed him. When the storm finally subsided, Mark was left severely injured. He was rushed to the hospital, where he recounted the events.

Will, however, was nowhere to be found. The local community quickly mobilized, with thousands of people joining the search efforts to find Will. His aunt even created a Facebook page called Help Find Will Norton to organize and coordinate the search. On May 27, 2011, Will’s remains were discovered in a pond not far from where the tornado had torn through his car. The debris that had accumulated over the water had made it difficult for rescuers to locate him sooner. It was an incredibly difficult time for the Norton family. Despite the heartbreak, Will’s aunt gave a public statement and expressed a sense of relief that he had been found and that he had not suffered for long.

Will Norton’s Family and His Community Have Kept His Memory Alive

A little over two weeks later, Will Norton’s sister, Sara Norton, posted a video offering a detailed account of the events of that day as a heartfelt tribute to her brother. She also shared several other videos celebrating her brother’s life and his many accomplishments. In September 2012, the Rotary Clubs of Joplin, in collaboration with the Keller Williams Foundation, broke ground on the Will Norton Miracle Field, a specially designed baseball park for children with special needs. That same year, the Freeman Hospital, along with its Ozark Center counseling department, established Will’s Place, a dedicated treatment center for children facing mental health or behavioral challenges.

Although Will never had the chance to attend Chapman University, the institution honored him by placing his name on the wall alongside the teachers and students who lost their lives in the tornado, considering him one of their own. Joplin High School also established a scholarship in his memory. In May 2016, his friends and family launched a website called Will’s Wall — a platform dedicated to positivity and gratitude and encouraging people to express thankfulness for the blessings in their lives. His father has kept Will’s room unchanged and said it feels as though his son never truly left but is simply in a different place. His sister has also found various ways to remember and celebrate his life. Will has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration, and through his legacy, he continues to positively impact many lives.